According to new research, a leukaemia drug may alleviate breast cancer.

Currently, Australian scientists are examining how compounds called BH3-mimetics, containing anti-cancer properties can help breast cancer patients.

Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers are investigating how this drug on trial for leukaemia can battle breast cancer as well.

According to the work done so far, the drug shows potential for a clinical study for breast cancer treatment.

She said, "We are excited by these results and what they could mean for women with breast cancer," adding, "even a small improvement could have a substantial impact if more effective upfront treatment could prevent relapse," reports News.com.

The Visvader team’s research is published in the journal Cancer Cell. The team looked at the drug’s effect in comparison to other forms of therapy like hormones, for instance. Hormone therapy is the first line therapy for breast cancer.

The leukemia drug had the capacity to freeze progression of aggressively growing tumors and was able to decrease the potency of cancer cells by neutralizing the BLC-2 protein, The Advertiser reports.